Refreshing Red Wine Sangria Recipe for Summer Delight
This Red Wine Sangria recipe is perfect for any occasion, from a summer backyard barbecue to a cozy winter gathering. It is refreshing, sweet, and easy to make, making it a versatile drink for any season. With the combination of dry red wine, brandy, orange juice, and sliced fruits, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
Traditionally made in Spain and Portugal, sangria is a wine cocktail that typically consists of red or white wine with chopped fruit and other alcoholic beverages. This recipe offers a modern take on the traditional red sangria by incorporating various fruits and juices. It brings out the best flavors of the wine while adding complexity to the drink’s taste.
Whether you’re new to making sangria or an experienced mixologist, this easy-to-follow recipe will guide you every step of the way. With simple ingredients that are readily available in most supermarkets, you don’t have to be an expert in mixology to make it. In just a few minutes of preparation and chilling time, you can now serve your guests one of the best red sangrias they’ve ever tasted.
So let’s grab a 750ml bottle of dry red wine and get started on this delectable recipe. Let this be your go-to recipe for your next party or gathering; it’s sure to become your favorite sweet sangria recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make drink that is perfect for enjoying with friends and family at your next gathering? Look no further than this red wine sangria recipe!
What makes this particular recipe so special? For starters, it uses a dry red wine like Rioja, creating a rich and complex base that is perfectly complemented by the sweetness of sugar and orange juice. Brandy adds an additional layer of flavor, while lemon juice helps to balance out the sweetness of the other ingredients.
But what really sets this red sangria recipe apart is just how customizable it is. While we’ve provided suggested measurements and specific ingredients to use, the truth is that you can easily swap out different fruits or liquors to suit your tastes. From sliced apples to diced oranges, there are endless variations you can create to make this recipe truly your own.
And the best part? This is a traditional red sangria recipe that is sure to impress guests, regardless of their familiarity with wine cocktails. So whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking for an easy sangria recipe to enjoy on a warm summer day, you can’t go wrong with this delicious and versatile drink. Give it a try and taste the difference for yourself!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this delicious red wine sangria recipe!
Main Ingredients
- 1 (750 milliliter) bottle dry red wine, such as Rioja
- 1/2 cup brandy
- 1/4 cup triple sec
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
Fruit
- 1 large orange, thinly sliced and cut into wedges
- 2 medium apples, cored and diced
- 2 oranges, one juiced and one thinly sliced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 green apple, cored and cut into thin slices
Garnish
- Orange wedges
- Green apple slices
- Strawberries
These recipe ingredients can easily be found at your local grocery store, so let’s get ready to make the best Red Wine Sangria that you have ever tasted!
The Recipe How-To
Now let’s jump in and make our delicious red wine sangria. Follow these steps to create a refreshing classic Spanish drink that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Gather all the ingredients in one place before beginning the process. You will need:
- 1 750 ml bottle dry red wine, preferably a fruity variety like Rioja
- 1/2 cup brandy
- 1/4 cup triple sec
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 orange, sliced into thin wedges
- 1 lemon, sliced into thin wedges
- 1 green apple, diced
- 2 medium oranges, one juiced and one sliced into thin wedges
Instructions
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In a large pitcher, combine the dry red wine, brandy, triple sec, orange juice, and sugar. Stir the mixture until completely combined and the sugar is dissolved.
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Add in the orange and lemon wedges along with the diced green apple and orange slices. Stir well to combine everything.
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Chill the sangria in your refrigerator for at least an hour or overnight to let all the flavors meld together.
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Before serving, add ice cubes to the pitcher as desired.
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Pour your chilled sangria into glasses filled with ice cubes and garnish each glass with a slice of fresh orange or lemon.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Use a good quality dry red wine for this recipe, like Rioja or another Spanish variety.
- For maximum flavor, chill your sangria for at least an hour in the refrigerator before serving.
- Don’t forget to remove any pith from your sliced fruit before adding it to your pitcher.
- Experiment with different fruits to find your favorite combinations.
Now that you know how to make a traditional red sangria, it’s time to give it a try! This easy and refreshing drink is perfect for all occasions, from a summer BBQ to a cozy winter evening. Cheers!
Substitutions and Variations
There are plenty of substitutions and variations you can make to this red wine sangria recipe to suit your taste preferences or to use the ingredients you have on hand. Here are a few suggestions:
– Wine: While the recipe calls for a bottle of red wine, you can experiment with different types of wine such as Spanish Riojas, Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
– Brandy: Brandy adds an extra kick to traditional red sangria. However, if you don’t have brandy or don’t prefer its taste, you could substitute it with rum, vodka, triple sec or even bourbon.
– Fruits: You can adjust the recipe to incorporate fruits that are in season or based on personal preference. Traditionally made red sangria includes apples and oranges, but bananas or strawberries can also be used for a twist.
– Sweeteners: The sweetness level of this recipe can be adjusted depending on your preference. You can adjust the amount of sugar used or opt for simple syrup instead.
– Triple Sec: This ingredient helps balance out the tartness and sweetness in the sangria. However, if you’re not a fan of triple sec or prefer less alcohol content, you could omit it completely.
By playing around with different ingredients, you can create a truly unique and personalized version of this traditional red sangria recipe.
Serving and Pairing
Red Wine Sangria is a crowd-pleasing drink that can be customized to any occasion or gathering. Consider serving it with tapas, grilled meats, or a cheese board to bring out its fruity flavors. This sangria is perfect for summer barbecues or a cozy night in with friends.
For a perfect pairing, try serving Red Wine Sangria with jamón ibérico, olives, and chorizo for an authentic Spanish experience. The rich and salty flavors of these appetizers complement the sweetness of the drink really well. Alternatively, you can serve it with grilled vegetables or chicken skewers for a lighter and refreshing option.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add some bubbles to your sangria by mixing in some sparkling water or club soda. This will give your drink an extra effervescence and make it more refreshing. It can also be garnished with sliced fruit such as citrus fruits or berries.
Traditionally made with red wine Rioja and brandy, this recipe makes a sweet sangria that pairs well with spicy dishes, charcuterie boards, and cheeses. The additions of orange juice, triple sec, and sliced fruit give the drink a heavenly sweetness and fresh taste that is irresistible.
Whether you want an easy drink for your next gathering or simply want to relax on your deck on your own, this easy sangria recipe is sure to hit the spot. Make it in large quantities and serve it at parties all year round as it’s perfect for both winter sangria or fall sangria cocktails!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you’re planning to serve this red wine sangria recipe for a party or gathering, it can be made ahead of time which makes it extremely convenient. This means that you can prepare it a day before your event and leave it to chill in the refrigerator overnight to allow the flavors to meld together even better.
When you’re ready to serve, simply give it a good stir and add any additional ice, fruit slices or fresh herbs. If you have any leftovers from the party, you can store them in an air-tight pitcher in the fridge for up to three days, but we doubt there will be any left after guests taste this irresistible drink.
You can make this red sangria in larger batches if you’re serving a bigger crowd. Another great thing about this traditional red sangria recipe is that it tastes just as amazing when reheated because the heat helps extract even more flavor from the fruits and spices. So, don’t worry about making too much because you can always reheat mulled wine style in a saucepan on the stove over medium-low heat until heated through.
It’s important to note that if you decide to reheat your red wine sangria, remember not to add any more ice or carbonated ingredients after reheating; otherwise, it will dilute and flatten out the flavors of your drink. You could spice things up by adding some cinnamon sticks, star anise or nutmeg for extra aroma and flavor.
Cheers to enjoying this delicious and easy-to-make red wine sangria recipe all year round!
Tips for Perfect Results
Here are some tips to make the perfect red wine sangria:
1. Use a dry red wine
To make the best sangria, start with a good quality dry red wine. This will ensure that the sangria isn’t too sweet and won’t overpower the other flavors.
2. Choose ripe fruit
Using ripe fruit will make your sangria taste better because it’s sweeter and more flavorful. Plus, overripe fruit can give your sangria an unpleasant texture.
3. Let it sit
Letting your sangria sit in the fridge for at least a few hours (or overnight) allows all of the flavors to meld together, making for a more complex and satisfying drink.
4. Don’t skimp on the brandy
Brandy is an essential ingredient in traditional red sangria recipes, and for good reason. It adds depth and complexity to the drink, so be sure not to skimp!
5. Add citrus for acidity
The addition of fresh lemon and orange juice not only adds a burst of flavor but also helps balance the sweetness of the sugar and fruit.
6. Dilute with soda water or lemon-lime soda only before serving
Instead of diluting your pitcher full of sangria with ice or more wine, opt to add chilled plain soda water or lemon-lime soda just before serving for an effervescent treat!
With these tips, you’ll be able to make a pitchers worth of the perfect red wine sangria every time!
FAQ
As with any recipe, questions may arise. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to assist you in perfecting your Red Wine Sangria.
What are the basic ingredients for sangria?
Sangria, a beverage that emerged from the Spanish culture, is a blend of red wine, cut-up fruits, and brandy or orange juice. It has evolved to include white wine, carbonated water, and sweeteners in recent incarnations.
What is the best red wine to make sangria?
Spain and Southern France are known to produce some of the best red wines in the world. If you’re looking for some excellent options, Garnacha or Grenache, Tempranillo, Primitivo, Bonarda, Nero d’Avola, Merlot, Malbec, and Cabernet Sauvignon are all great choices. Each wine has its unique taste and aroma that can elevate any meal. As a sommelier, I have been asked many times which wine is the best for a particular dish. And over the years, I have developed some fascinating and informative stories on different types of wine and the dishes they complement. In this article, I will share my favourite stories and pairing suggestions for these eight popular red wines. So, let’s dive in!
What alcohol goes in a red sangria?
For this recipe, you’ll require some essential ingredients. Spanish red wines are highly recommended for their exceptional taste and quality. A dash of brandy is typically added to complement the richness of the red wine. Additionally, the recipe calls for chopped fruit such as oranges, apples, and lemon to enhance the flavor and aroma of the dish.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this red wine sangria recipe is an easy and delicious way to impress your guests at any gathering. Its traditional Spanish flavors and the mix of fruit juices make it a versatile drink that can be enjoyed any time of the year. The substitution and variation options provide opportunities to experiment with different tastes and cater to specific preferences.
This recipe provides the perfect balance between dry and sweet, making it one of the best red sangrias you will ever have. You won’t be disappointed with its flavors – as sipping on a glass of this cocktail will transport you to warm summers in Spain.
If you’re looking for a refreshing and simple drink that’s sure to please everyone, then try this red wine sangria recipe. It’s not only easy to make but also affordable – as the ingredients are readily available at any grocery store.
So, next time you’re hosting a party or just want to relax after a long day, grab yourself a glass of red wine sangria, sit back, and soak up in its enticing aroma and flavor. Trust me – it’s worth it!
Red Wine Sangria Recipe Recipe
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup lemon juice
- 1/3 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 (26 ounce) bottle dry red wine (or non-alcoholic)
Instructions
- Strain the juices into a half-gallon glass pitcher. Stir in the sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Stir the wine into the juice mixture. Add ice if desired.
- Garnish with lemon and orange slices if desired.
- It's optional but makes a beautiful presentation and adds more flavor as the citrus slices sit in the drink mixture.
- Makes 4 cups.
- Recipe courtesy of http://www.cookingnook.com.